Flushing Town Hall is holding a Gamin-Wind & Stone event at 8 p.m. Gamin is one of the most celebrated piri, taepyeongso (Korean traditional oboe family) and saengwhang (ancient wind-blow instrument) players today. Wind & Stone is a World Music project by Gamin and Satoshi Takeishi (drummer, percussionist, and arranger) presenting both traditional and contemporary sounds of Korean music. Admission is $15 for members and $10 for students. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

LIRR’s largest union votes to approve strike

Long Island Rail Road’s largest union has unanimously voted to strike, with a walkout possible as soon as March. Read more: NBC New York

Secret Service warning about fake $100 bills

The U.S. Secret Service New York Field is warning banks, merchants, and consumers to be on the lookout for fake $100 bills. Three styles of the $100 bill are in circulation, but one in particular has been counterfeited a lot. Read more: Fox New York

NYPD testing Google Glass as potential crime fighting tool

The NYPD is taking a page out of the RoboCop playbook — outfitting cops with Google Glass so a suspect’s life story can flash right before their eyes, law enforcement sources told The Post. Read more: New York Post

Family, friends begin to say goodbyes to Philip Seymour Hoffman

Two of the three suspects arrested amid the investigation into Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death were out of jail Thursday night as friends and family began to say their final goodbyes to the Oscar-winning actor. Read more: CBS New York/AP

Obama: No ‘icy’ relationship with Putin

President Barack Obama on Thursday denied having an “icy” relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said the leader’s tough guy demeanor is likely just part of his “shtick.” Read more: NBC News

To many, the horse is a symbol of competition, victory and the pursuit of freedom and passion.

“The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people’s ethos — making unremitting efforts to improve themselves,” said Councilmember Peter Koo. “Such is also the spirit of the Flushing community.”

“With several projects taking off in northeast Queens, 2014 will bring exciting changes to Flushing and its surrounding area,” Koo said.

New Yorkers hoping to celebrate the Lunar New Year need not look very far.

Chinatown in Manhattan will ignite with New Year spirit Feb. 2, as the 15th annual parade dances downtown, starting at Little Italy through Chinatown at 1 p.m.

Flushing Town Hall (FTH) also has a two-month lineup of music, art, dancing, calligraphy and mask making to celebrate the holiday and its rich history that dates back centuries.

“Since the inception of this festival at Flushing Town Hall, the Lunar New Year events have been able to bridge generational divides and unify cultures throughout Queens and abroad,” FTH Executive Director Ellen Kodadek said. “It’s a wonderful way to kick off the dawn of a new year.”

Friday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High 19. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Friday night: Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low around 15. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.

EVENT OF THE DAY: Alex Blake Quartet

Blake is a modern bass virtuoso recognized for his mastery of the classical upright bass and the electric bass. From classical fingering and guitar-like strumming of intricate melodic patterns to resounding slapping and vibrant staccatos, he produces a full range of harmonies and rhythms. Starts at 8 p.m. at Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www.flushingtownhall.org.

Stable real estate prices hide big changes in many city neighborhoods

It felt like 2013 was a crazy year for real estate, with the flood of all-cash buyers, Billionaire’s Row on 57th St., shrinking inventory and skyrocketing prices. Read more: New York Daily News

$24 General Admission Price Set for NY 9/11 Museum

Adults who visit the Sept. 11 museum at the World Trade Center will be charged $24. Read more: NBC New York

Computer glitch halts Metro-North trains for nearly 2 hours

A computer glitch suspended Metro-North service systemwide on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines Thursday night, leaving all trains stranded for nearly two hours. Read more: CBS New York

Gillibrand pushes for paid family and medical leave for nominal cost to workers

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation that would provide paid family and medical leave. Read more: CBS New York/AP

NYC’s top cop Bill Bratton joins Twitter

Top NYPD cop Bill Bratton sent his first tweet Thursday from @CommissBratton embracing social media — something his predecessor Ray Kelly shied away from. Read more: New York Post

Queens Museum
New York City Building, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
718-592-9700 www.queensmuseum.orgHours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12-6 p.m.Suggested Admission: $8 for adults and children over 12; $4 for students and seniors; Children under 12 attend for free.(THE COURIER/File photo)

The Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City
718-204-7088 www.noguchi.orgHours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday: Closed.Admission: General admission: $10; Senior Citizens: $5 ; Students with a valid ID: $5; NYC public high school students with a valid ID: Free; Children under 12: Free; Members: Free; On the first Friday of every month year-round, Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish.(Photo courtesy of the Noguchi Museum)

CHECK OUT A CONCERT OR SHOW

From a classical concert to a dramatic play, the local arts are alive at the borough’s concert halls and theatres. Here are some places to catch a local performance.

World Ice Arena at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Avery Avenue and 131st Street, Flushing
718-760-9001 www.worldice.comHours: Monday through Friday the rink is open from 9 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. On weekends it is open: 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday nights; noon until 4:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. until 9:50 p.m. Saturdays and noon until 4:45 on Sundays.Admission: $5 for all ages on weekdays and $8 on weekends and holidays. To rent skates be sure to bring socks and an additional $5.(Photo courtesy of the World Ice Arena)

At 5 p.m., individuals can learn more about jazz and play with the Queens Jazz OverGround. At 7 p.m., musicians are invited to jam with QJOG and anybody else who shows up. $10 for spectators, free from performers and students. Flushing Town Hall, Flushing, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www.flushingtownhall.org.

Second day of bitter cold bears down on tri-state, thaw ahead

A second icy morning is chilling the tri-state Wednesday, but commuters should see warmer temperatures as teeth-chattering cold brought on by a frigid, swirling system known as a polar vortex begins to ease out of the area. Read more: NBC New York

Cuomo lays out his agenda for NY in election year

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to deliver an election-year State of the State address touting tax breaks and economic successes. Read more: AP

More than 100 former police officers, firefighters and other city workers are accused of faking mental disabilities in order to get tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits each year, authorities announced Tuesday. Read more: NBC New York

De Blasio tries tosway City Council speaker vote

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who made the unusual decision to forcefully interject himself into the race for the powerful post leading the City Council, may have helped engineer a victory for his preferred candidate. Read more: CBS New York/AP

New York scores high for school choice in report

New York is right near the top of a new nationwide scorecard on school choice — a status it could kiss goodbye under the policies of Mayor de Blasio. Read more: New York Post

The David Leonhardt Trio, an internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes tapping as they present a winter holiday concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms at Flushing Town Hall at 8 p.m. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

School bus company to shut down; NYC seeks alternative

While most parents should be relaxing during the Christmas break, many in New York City are now going to have to try and figure out how to get their kids to school. Read more: Fox New York

Super Bowl Monday possible if storm comes to Northeast: organizers

Super Bowl organizers say they’re prepared to deploy thousands of trucks and tons of salt to prevent snowy weather from interfering with the biggest football game of the year. Read more: NBC New York

MTA launches new apps for LIRR, Metro-North riders

Some new apps may help Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road customers avoid an extra long wait for the train. Read more: ABC New York

9/11 victims OK to sue Saudi government

Victims of the 9/11 attacks will have another chance to sue the Saudi Arabian government after a federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the original dismissal of the case was an “error of law.” Read more: New York Post

Target data breach leaves customers angry, frustrated

Potential victims of credit card fraud tied to Target’s security breach said they had trouble contacting the discounter through its website and call centers. Read more: AP

There’s another attempt to crackdown on debauchery and drunkenness by a group of Santa Claus wannabees. Read more: ABC New York

Bloomberg gun group calls for crackdown on online gun sales loophole

Thousands of guns could be sold illegally by unlicensed firearms dealers on just one classified ad website, according to an investigation commissioned by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Read more: CBS New York/AP

Regulators to conduct safety review of Metro-North Railroad

The Federal Railroad Administration will launch an intensive two-month review of safety compliance and culture at Metro-North after a train derailed and killed four people earlier this month. Read more: CBS New York/AP

De Blasio to meet with Obama at White House Friday

Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio is set to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House Friday, along with several other newly elected mayors. Read more: NBC New York

Budget vote approved in the House

Battle-fatigued and suddenly bipartisan, the House voted Thursday night to ease across-the-board federal spending cuts and head off future government shutdowns, acting after Speaker John Boehner unleashed a stinging attack on tea party-aligned conservative groups campaigning for the measure’s defeat. Read more: AP

Friday: Partly cloudy in the morning, then overcast. High of 50. Breezy. Winds from the WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Friday night: Partly cloudy. Low of 37F. Winds from the WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

EVENT OF THE DAY: Trumpeters of Queens

The Trumpeters of Queens concert at Flushing Town Hall at 8 p.m. will feature only musicians who live in the borough, such as Josh Deutsch and his quintet and Miki Hirose, who will showcase his latest CD. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

Riders at 126 subway stations — 26% of the system — were unable to buy MetroCards with credit or debit cards for hours Thursday morning because of technical problems. Read more: New York Daily News

Judge rejects cty’s evacuation plans for the disabled during emergencies

A federal judge has ruled that New York City has violated the law by failing to adequately plan for the evacuation and protection of disabled people during emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy or the Sept. 11 attacks. Read more: CBS New York/AP

Architects for the firm that designed One World Trade Center are set to make their case this week for the building’s 408-foot spire to be counted towards its height, giving it the full, symbolic measurement of 1,776 feet, and making it officially the tallest in the U.S. Read more: NBC New York

Senate OKs gay rights bill banning discrimination

Reflecting Americans’ increasing acceptance of gays, the Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Read more: CBS New York/AP

Thursday: Overcast with a chance of rain in the afternoon. High of 68. Winds from the SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20%.
Thursday night: Overcast with rain showers. Fog overnight. Low of 61. Breezy. Winds from the SSW at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90% with rainfall amounts near 0.3 in. possible.

EVENT OF THE DAY: Halloween Re-Mixed

Celebrate Día de los Muertos, Halloween and All Saints Day with hands-on, festive fun for all ages during Halloween Re-mixed at Flushing Town Hall from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wear a costume and enjoy mask making, All Saints Day medallions, Mexican sugar skulls and ghost stories. Free. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

City Council approves law to raise cigarette purchase age to 21

The City Council voted Wednesday to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. Read more: The Queens Courier

New York Health Exchange affected by federal glitch

The New York Health Exchange has been unable to process applications for low-cost insurance during shutdowns of related federal databases, which occurred Sunday and again intermittently Wednesday. Read more: NBC New York

Beefed-up security planned for NYC Marathon

With the New York City Marathon set to return on Sunday after being sidelined last year by Superstorm Sandy, the specter of the Boston Marathon looms large. Read more: New York Post

Immunization clinics in Queens and the Bronx remain open

The city has reversed a plan to close immunization clinics in Queens and the Bronx, leaving them open for at least the next few months, officials said. Read more: New York Daily News

Fewer rats in NYC subway according to survey

A subway advocacy group says there are about as many rats on New York City platforms as last year. Read more: AP

Kathleen Sebelius apologizes for health law ‘debacle’

President Barack Obama claimed “full responsibility” Wednesday for fixing his administration’s much-maligned health insurance website as a new concern surfaced: a government memo pointing to security worries, laid out just days before the launch. Read more: AP

Friday: Overcast with rain showers. High of 64. Breezy. Winds from the NE at 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Friday Night: Overcast with rain showers. Low of 57. Winds from the ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Hosting the Super Bowl will come with perks for New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Thursday. Read more: New York Daily News

Bloomberg gets caught up in Mexico soda tax fight

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is being drawn into the heated debate in Mexico over a proposed 8-cent (1 peso) per liter tax on soft drinks to fund anti-obesity efforts in a country with a growing weight problem. Read more: AP

President Barack Obama and Republican leaders appeared ready to end a political crisis that has shuttered much of the U.S. government and pushed the country dangerously close to default after meeting at the White House on Thursday. Read more: Reuters

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, then thunderstorms and a chance of rain in the afternoon. High of 77. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Friday night: Overcast with thunderstorms and a chance of rain, then a chance of rain after midnight. Low of 68. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

The unarmed woman who was shot and killed following a car chase that began at the White House and ended near the Capitol has been identified as a Stamford, Conn., resident originally from New York City, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Read more: NBC New York

NYPD slapped with $3M lawsuit for illegal search in Queens gun bust

Sure, they took a gun off the street — but the three NYPD cops allegedly did it illegally, then lied to make a criminal case, says a federal lawsuit. Read more: New York Daily News

Get outdoors and discover nature with the Urban Rangers this summer. Families and children eight and older are invited to participate in a catch-and-release freshwater fishing program held in Kissena Park. Starting at 11 a.m., interested families will meet at the entrance located on Rose and Oak Avenues. All equipment will be provided by the Urban Rangers and will be supplied on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Long Island City Artists (LICA) is hosting a family sun-printing workshop at 2 p.m. at Flushing Town Hall. Creative minded families are encouraged to bring items such as leaves, lace, or feathers to use in the art of sunprinting. Items are placed on piece of paper and a silhouette image is transferred onto it. Visit www.flushingtownhall.org/events or call 718-463-7700 for details.

Sunday, June 30

Join the Bayside Historical Society in Crocheron Park for the Annual Lawn Concert. Starting at 6 p.m. the free concert will feature a country music performance by Savannah Sky followed by some good old fashioned rock and roll played by Rear View Mirror. Bring some lawn chairs, a picnic, and the whole family and enjoy some summer tunes. For more information visit www.baysidehistorical.org or call 718-352-148

The Urban Park Rangers will host a historical walking tour of Fort Totten Park starting at 1 p.m. The Urban Park Rangers specialize in interpretations of historic turning points of New York City. Anyone wishing to attend can meet up at the Fort Totten Park Visitor’s Center, visit nyc.gov/parks for more information

Saturday, June 29 thru Saturday, September 7

Starting June 29 and continuing every Saturday of the summer through September 7, MoMA PS1 presents its highly anticipated outdoor music series Warm Up. Warm Up is celebrating its 16th year and is keeping its tradition of introducing audiences to an array of musical styles, such as experimental live music, DJs both local and international, and emerging artists. The event is planned by a curatorial committee, selected by the museum to represent a wide spectrum of experiences in music, sound and the performing arts. Warm Up will feature a variety of musical performances, art/stage installations and a temporary urban landscape called “Party Wall.” Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door for each Saturday. For more information call 718-784-2084 or visit www.momaps1.org/warmup

Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High of 81. Breezy. Winds from the NW at 15 to 20 mph. Wednesday night: Overcast in the evening, then partly cloudy with a chance of rain. Low of 61. Winds from the North at 5 to 10 mph.

EVENT OF THE DAY: Monthly Jazz Jam at Flushing Town Hall

Come and enjoy live jazz by some of the borough’s top artists. Flushing Town Hall presents its monthly jazz jam, featuring performances by professional jazz musicians, grad students studying jazz, musical educators and special guest artists the Pablo Mayor Quintet. The event is free and starts at 7 p.m. Click here for more info or to submit an event of your own

Man fatally jumps in front of N train in Astoria

Severed limbs flew onto an Astoria street Tuesday evening after a man threw himself in front of a Queens-bound N train, witnesses and a police source said. Read more: The Queens Courier

New York City Council to take up ban on foam containers

A bill is expected to be introduced to the New York City Council Wednesday that bans the use of polystyrene foam foodservice in New York City. Read more: ABC New York

Fans of the Forest Park Carousel got a chance Tuesday to plead their case that the beloved ride should be designated as a city landmark. Read more: New York Daily News

Queens couple get prison for sex trafficking

A Queens man and his girlfriend have been sentenced to prison for sex trafficking. Read more: AP

Many Queens homeowners face skyrocketing flood insurance premiums or major repairs to meet demands of new federal codes

Homeowners in the Sandy-wrecked Rockaways may be forced to abandon their homes or spend up to $100,000 to raise them on stilts, thanks to new codes issued by the federal government. Read more: New York Daily News

Across U.S., nearly half say government spying OK within limits: PollNearly half of all Americans say the U.S. government’s broad surveillance tactics are acceptable within limits, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll on Tuesday that also found widespread concern about the methods that were revealed last week. Read more: Reuters

Jenny Hou, City Comptroller John Liu’s former campaign treasurer, and Oliver Pan, a former Liu campaign fundraiser, were found guilty in Manhattan Thursday in a case involving their organizing straw donor schemes. Read more: NY1

Man allegedly runs down friend in Long Island parking lot

A Queens man is facing charges after police say he intentionally hit another man with his car following an altercation on Long Island. Read more: ABC New York

New York cracks down on gas price gouging after Hurricane Sandy

Twenty-five gas stations have settled price-gouging claims made against them immediately after Superstorm Sandy hit New York, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Thursday. Read more: ABC New York/AP

Rockaway streets innundated with second wave of sand

Rockaway residents are discovering that their beloved boardwalk was more than an amenity for beach-goers — it was also a vital barrier against the relentless forces of nature. Read more: New York Daily News

Boston Marathon suspect’s remains claimed

A funeral home has claimed the body of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who died in a gunbattle with police after an intense manhunt. Read more: AP

FDA: Ingredient in antibacterial soap, other products may be dangerous

It’s a chemical that’s been in U.S. households for more than 40 years, from the body wash in your bathroom shower to the knives on your kitchen counter to the bedding in your baby’s basinet. Read more: AP/CBS New York